Essendon big man Patrick Ryder has been left out of Essendon’s team to take on Geelong at Etihad Stadium despite the end of his three-week suspension.

Ryder was available for selection after serving his three-match sanction for rough conduct against Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin in Round 3 but has been named as an emergency.

Coach James Hird said Ryder was unlucky not to be recalled to the team for Friday night’s top of the table clash with the Cats.

“Unfortunately for Patrick Ryder we have decided to go with Scott Gumbleton at centre half forward,” Hird told BomberTV.

“Scott has been in excellent form and we didn’t think that it was right to play another tall.

“Paddy hasn’t done anything wrong but unfortunately when you go out of the team it has hard to get back in at the moment.”

Click here to see Essendon’s full line up to take on Geelong.